When Summer begins, northern hemisphere residents brace for seasonal heat. Now is the time to take steps and mitigate the effect of heat on your Fox Terrier. Although not terribly sensitive to heat, FTs, like many dog breeds, become more sensitive with age; illness also affects a dog’s ability to handle high temperatures. But, overall, dogs, as humans, are subject to heatstroke and steps should be taken to avoid an occurrence.

Keep Animals Cool

Standard precautions include keeping FTs in air-conditioned or alternatively cooled areas during the hot part of the day. Never leave FTs or other animals in the garage unless it is fully insulated and has an appropriate cool temperature. Prepare and leave out an abundance of cool water, especially if your critters are unattended for periods of time. Some recommend leaving behind several bowls of water to account for frisky play and potential  spills–we are talking about FTs, after all. 

Groom WFTs Short for the Summer

FTs come from England where it’s cool most of the time and high summer heat can be hard on our furry friends. And their heavy coats only intensify the issue. To trim away the heavy hair and keep that overactive brain cool, #4FC, #5FC, or #7FC blades are recommended for grooming. 

Summer Heat and Automobiles–A Deadly Combination

As a reminder, never, ever take your dog in the car with you during the summer unless you are planning to remain in the car, or unless your FT goes with you when you leave the car. Even a few minutes in a closed car can heat to a point of causing heat stroke, brain damage and even death. But, a nice stop at an ice cream parlor is perfectly OK!

Walk Early or Late

Walk your Fox Terrier either early in the day or in the cool of the evening. During the day, the ground warms up quickly and can literally burn a dog’s foot pads. Asphalt can get hot enough to melt, so keep your four-legged friends off asphalt all together when it’s hot. Even dirt and sand can get hot enough to burn their little dog feet.

Hot Tummies May Indicate an Emergency

If you find your FT lying down and breathing hard, feel his tummy. If the belly is hot, the dog is in serious trouble. Very quickly apply cold, damp cloths or towels on the tummy, head and back of the neck, and transport the animal to a veterinarian immediately. You cannot save this dog yourself– see immediate professional medical help.

Swimming With Fox Terriers

Most Fox Terriers love water, so if you have a swimming pool you will have a happy foxie! If you don’t have a big pool, a child’s wading pool will do. 

Keep the pool safe for All

Use a few precautions when using a small pool. Don’t leave it full of water and sitting in the sun. The sun will heat the water, which can become hot enough to burn your dog. Keep the pool in the shade, and continue to add cold water as the hours go by. If you leave the pool outside unattended, make sure it contains less than two inches of water, or place a concrete block in the bottom. Birds, lizards, and other small critters may come to drink. If the water is more than two inches, the small animals may not be able to climb or fly out and can drown. 

Also, consider discouraging your FT from swimming in the ocean. Although generally good swimmers, the riggers and unknowns of the ocean can cause a happy day to go sideways quickly.

Keeping these tips in mind are good for your animals, small children and adults alike. Underestimating the heat of Mother nature can quickly result in significant illness and, unfortunately, even death.

Originally published by Pam Bishop and Cathy Crim, “All Things Fox Terrier,” July / August, 2011. Edited and republished by Deb Angus, June 2025.

Photo found on Wikipedia by Larismarcu.